CARRATRACA.

If taking the water's appeals to you, Carratraca is the place for you. A country drive through olive and almond groves, past the white village of Alora, its whitewashed houses spread over three hills below the impressive ramparts of Alora Castle. Carratraca, known as the Diamond of Malaga, has been famous for its sulphur water spas since Roman times. In its heyday in the 19th century, when taking the waters was the height of fashionable travel, this spa attracted such famous visitors as Lord Byron and Empress Marie Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. The baths are open from June 15 to October 15 every year. A complete day's treatment costs 21.000 pts. Carratraca is also famous for its Easter passion play performed in the bullring by about 140 villagers on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. For a relaxing drink or meal, visit the charming, slightly dilapidated, romantic old hotel, Hostal del Principe, located in the town. Converted from an inn which King Fernando VII of Spain ordered to be built for himself and his retinue in 1830. It has its own connecting corridor leading directly to the baths. El Torcal Park Nature Reserve is known for unusual limestone rock formations.